SPRINGFIELD - Senate President John Cullerton says legalizing Internet gambling in Illinois could provide needed revenue, although passing the bill will be difficult.

The Chicago Democrat, who has pushed for online gambling for two years, said it could become part of expansion talks that are underway at the Capitol.

"I've been supportive of this ever since we found out from the Justice Department we could do this," he said after a short Senate committee hearing Wednesday.

"The point is, people are already gambling, and we're not making any of the money. There are other states that are just getting started that are bringing in some money. So that may play a role in it when we try to pass a budget."

"PPA stands in strong support of (Cullerton's) effort," Executive Director John Pappas said. "Any effort to regulate Internet poker should not be viewed as an expansion of gambling in Illinois."

Pappas said Illinois gamblers already have access to online poker, casino games and sports betting. "Regulation simply would mean corralling the current unregulated marketplace."

Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey have authorized Internet poker. Some analysts believe Illinois could gain $500 million annually in gross gaming revenue.

Anita Bedell of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems warned that Internet gambling will only lead to more problem gamblers.

"Making gambling more accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week will make it easier for people to gamble and lose their money," she said. "There are more than enough opportunities to gamble in Illinois."

She said studies show that Internet gamblers are more likely to be problem gamblers.

Legislators could again take up a gambling-expansion bill this spring. Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, is holding hearings around the state to get input. He is looking at a plan to add five casinos and allow slot machines at horse racing tracks.

Casino owners are concerned that expansion will siphon off their customers rather than draw in new ones.